CHOP and Pfizer teaming up

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Pfizer Inc. are collaborating to accelerate the time its takes to turn lab discoveries into new treatments.

CHOP officials said Wednesday the West Philadelphia pediatric hospital is joining Pfizer’s Centers for Therapeutic Innovation, through which academic researchers work with Pfizer scientists to, in the company’s words, “expedite the pace of innovation.”

Under the partnership, scientists from Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and CHOP will identify preclinical research at CHOP that has potential applications for innovative treatments. Pfizer scientists will share with the hospital's researchers an extensive collection of antibodies and other proteins, along with other proprietary research and drug-development tools. In addition, CHOP investigators will collaborate with Pfizer scientists at CTI laboratories in both Boston and New York City.

Their initial goal will be to advance a project into a phase-I clinical trial, which is human testing of a new drug candidate.

Hospital’s researchers are in the process of submitting proposals to be considered for funding under the partnership. A steering committee is expected to choose projects for funding in mid-July.

“We are excited to have this opportunity to accelerate the process of moving scientific insights toward therapies that health-care providers can offer in the clinic,” said Dr. Philip R. Johnson, CHOP’s chief scientific officer and senior vice president.

CHOP is the second pediatric center to join Pfizer’s CTI network, which has established partnerships with 21 academic medical centers throughout the United States include Boston Children’s Hospital.